Odisha Bandh on July 17: Congress calls for statewide protest over student’s death

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Congress has announced a statewide bandh on Thursday, July 17, 2025, to protest the tragic death of Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College, Balasore, who succumbed to burn injuries after attempting self-immolation.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das made the announcement at a press conference, stating that eight parties, including Left parties and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), are supporting the bandh call.

The Congress has demanded the immediate resignation of the state’s Education Minister, the local MLA, and the MP, alleging their failure to protect the student and her family. The party has urged people from all sections of society to support the bandh.

Reason for the Bandh Call: A Tragic Incident Unfolds

The bandh has been called in response to the alleged harassment of Soumyashree Bisi. Soumyashree attempted self-immolation on July 12 on the college campus, alleging sexual harassment by the Head of the Department (HoD), Samir Kumar Sahu. She reportedly resorted to this extreme step after being distressed over the alleged inaction on her complaint against Sahu, pouring petrol on herself and setting herself ablaze in front of the principal’s chamber.

Soumyashree suffered over 90 per cent burn injuries and was initially rushed to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital before being transferred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. Despite intensive medical efforts, including mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy, she tragically succumbed to her injuries and was declared dead at 11:46 PM on July 14.

Prior to her self-immolation attempt, Soumyashree had staged a sit-in protest near the college, demanding action against Sahu, expressing her distress over the administration’s alleged inaction despite her formal complaint.

Following the tragic incident, Samir Kumar Sahu has been arrested by Sahadevkhunta Police. An FIR has been lodged against him under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 108 (abetment to suicide) and Section 75(1)(iii) (sexual harassment).

What to Expect During the Bandh:

During the statewide bandh, Congress workers are expected to:

• Stage road blockades: This is likely to occur at prominent locations across the state, potentially affecting vehicular movement.
• Resort to picketing: Protests are anticipated outside government offices.
• Stage rail roko: Important railway stations across Odisha may witness disruptions, potentially affecting train movement.
• Closure of businesses: Shops and business establishments in the state may remain closed during the observance of the bandh.

Rahul Gandhi Extends Support to Victim’s Family

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has personally spoken to the father of Soumyashree Bisi. The tragic incident, which has ignited widespread protests across Odisha, prompted the Congress leader to reach out to the grieving family to express his condolences and solidarity.

Following his telephonic conversation, Gandhi took to social media, expressing deep sorrow and assuring the family of his and the Congress party’s unwavering support in their pursuit of justice.

“Spoke with the father of the brave daughter who lost her life in the fight for justice in Balasore, Odisha. In his voice, I felt his daughter’s pain, dreams, and struggle. Assured him that the Congress Party and I stand with them at every step. What happened is not only inhuman and shameful, but also a wound to the entire society. We will ensure in every way that the victim’s family receives full justice,” Gandhi posted, reiterating his commitment to the family’s cause.